Restaurants in Newburyport, MA
May 28, 2025Whether you’re strolling the streets of Newburyport, exploring the town’s history at museums, or going on a whale watch, you’re bound to get hungry. Newburyport offers many different restaurants, from seafood cuisine, international cuisine and even some healthier options. Check out our list of restaurants to try out in Newburyport.
Seafood Restaurants in Newburyport
Since Newburyport is along the Merrimack River, the town has access to fresh seafood like fish, shellfish, and crustaceans.
Michael’s Harborside
A local favorite and premier waterfront seafood restaurant, Michael’s Harborside gives scenic views of the Merrimack River with three outdoor decks. Their menu includes a variety of seafood options from lobster rolls to baked haddock and shrimp scampi. Plus, catch their events during the week featuring live music, trivia nights, and painting classes.
Sea Level Oyster Bar Newburyport
Right in downtown Newburyport is the Sea Level Oyster Bar, serving fresh New England seafood and refreshing cocktails. Dine inside or al fresco on the back deck, overlooking the Merrimack River. It’s the perfect spot before catching a live show, as the restaurant is near Firehouse Center for the Arts.
Black Cow
Try out Black Cow’s creative sushi menu and extensive specialty drink list. This classic New England dining experience offers beautiful views of the waterfront on their second-floor outdoor deck. Check out their sailboat-turned-bar, which is right on the first floor.
Tuscan Sea Grille & Bar
Tuscan Sea Grille & Bar offers a coastal Italian menu with a local seafood and raw bar twist. You can enjoy pasta made from scratch, Neapolitan-style pizzas, desserts, and gelato. The restaurant offers indoor seating and 116-seat outdoor seating, where you can soak in the views of the Newburyport waterfront.
International Restaurants in Newburyport
For those looking for a global dining experience, you’ll also find international restaurants like Thai, Mediterranean, and Mexican.
Brown Sugar by the Sea
At the Thai restaurant, Brown Sugar by the Sea, you can order classic Thai dishes like Pad Thai and curries, and Asian fusion options like crab rangoons and lo mein. Occasionally, you can catch live piano or guitar performances while you eat.
Bar 25
This Mediterranean restaurant serves delicious food and amazing cocktails, and has live music. Restaurant owner Reza Rahmani combines his Iranian roots and family recipes to create contemporary-style plates. Choose from small plates to share with friends and family, or bigger entrees.
Port Vida a Mexcian Cantina
Port Vida’s menu blends traditional Mexican flavors with an innovative twist. Feast on nachos, tacos, and fajitas while sipping on their wide variety of margaritas, beer, wine, and tequila flights. Take your salsa skills to the next level with the restaurant’s weekly Salsa Night, an informal dance lesson every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.
Cafes and Take-Out Restaurants in Newburyport
When you need a quick bite to eat after a long day or want to bring something to the beach, there are several options here in Newburyport.
Bob Lobster
Originally established in 2001, Bob Lobster is a beloved seafood shack located on Plum Island, an island off the coast of Newburyport. The shack first operated as a small seafood market and then evolved into a popular eatery. The restaurant offers a menu that includes lobster rolls, fried scallops, fried calamari, and fried oysters. While you can dine in at the restaurant, it’s also a great place to get takeout as you head to Plum Island Beach.
Olive’s Coffee & Bakehouse
Known as Newburyport’s “Best Coffee,” Olive’s Coffee & Bakehouse serves in-house baked goods and locally sourced food items like donuts and croissants. The restaurant only has outdoor seating, which makes it a perfect spot to grab food on the go.
Plume Cafe
Plume Cafe is another coffee shop in downtown Newburyport, where you can find coffee, seasonal lattes, mochas, matchas, and pastries. The cafe also offers gluten-free options like blueberry muffins and banana bread.
The Juicery
For a healthier option, The Juicery is a vibrant juice bar and smoothie cafe with health-focused beverages and bowls. It’s a popular destination for locals and visitors alike, as the cafe only uses fresh, organic ingredients and eco-friendly practices. Their menu ranges from smoothies to smoothie bowls, organic juices, and wellness shots.
Family-Friendly Restaurants in Newburyport
For families looking for food options that fit a range of ages, check out these family-friendly restaurants in Newburyport.
Loretta
Loretta is an American restaurant that offers a welcoming atmosphere for all ages. It offers a lunch and dinner menu, which includes classic sandwiches, clam chowder, salmon, and pasta. On Sundays from 11:30 am to 2 pm, catch some live jazz music with Danny Harrington.
The Cormorant
Say hello to Newburyport’s local burger joint at The Cormorant. Founded by Kristen Kilty and Katie Hickey, the restaurant’s menu is inspired by their childhoods and the pizza parlors and diners they grew up with. They offer lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch with delicious food options and housemade cocktails.
Dessert Restaurants in Newburyport
End your day on a sweet note with plenty of dessert restaurants to explore in Newburyport.
Harbor Creamery
Harbor Creamery is a family-operated ice cream shop that serves handmade, small-batch ice cream with high-quality ingredients. The shop offers a rotating selection of flavors that include fan-favorites and creative creations. Try some of their fun sauces like pineapple or peanut butter.
Cookie Jar Kitchen
This charming neighborhood bakery’s specialty is… you guessed it, cookies! You’ll find almost every kind of cookie flavor on the menu, from chocolate chip to iced sugar cookies, and even cookie sandwiches with buttercream frosting. The bakery also serves baked goods like scones, coffee, and tea.
Dolce Freddo Gelato
Travel to the coastal scene of Italy with one bite of Dolce Freddo Gelato. The local, family-owned business offers authentic Italian gelato, sorbetto, and cold desserts. Plus, get the full Italian dessert experience with gourmet espresso, cappuccino, and coffee.
Newburyport is a great place to have a delicious meal, no matter what you’re looking for. While you’re visiting North of Boston, make sure to check restaurants in other areas like Gloucester.
